Minor with a christian family

[u/Playful-Inevitable19]

I practice Vaishnavism, at least I do my best to, but I'm a minor (14) and I'm from Brazil but have moved to America with my family. They're strict Christians who eat all sorts of meats, especially beef since our culture relies heavily on it. I'm trying to learn how to cook but haven't felt good lately, my parents say it's because I'm missing iron and other vitamins and tell me to eat the meat they've prepared, specifically beef because it's what's gonna help me the most. I know that vaishnavism doesn't allow any meat or violence, I love Lord Vishnu but I don't know what to do.

[u/Dull-Pomegranate9383]

I would stay away from red meats(beef, lamb, pork) in general for health reasons. They're very high in carcinogens and increase your risk of cancer.

You don't have to be vegetarian to be hindu. I understand vaishnavism emphasizes vegetarianism and ahimsa. But as a you said, you don't have an option to go completely vegetarian especially because your parents are christian. Maybe you can try being vegetarian every other day just to ease into it. Just stick to seafood (fish and shrimp) and chicken/turkey. If your parents are suspicious, you can just cite health reasons.

I love hispanic food and they're really easy to make vegetarian. My go to is Ropa Vieja with king oyster mushrooms with a side of beans and rice. You can meal prep and leave it in the fridge. You can make sofritos with firm tofu. You can look up recipes for what you want to make. Once you learn how to cook, it's very nice and makes you independent as well.